A tribute to Manna Dey.

Does this man require any introduction? He was the first superstar singer in Bollywood. He sang over 4000 songs from 1942 till 2013. Like most of the Bengali children of last 1980’s, the first songs I have heard of him are “Shey amar choto bone, boro aadorer choto bon”, “Coffee house er shei adda ta aaj aar nei, aaj aar nei.”. His songs, often take us back in time. “Aami je jolshaghore” or the Bollywood classics – “Laaga chunri mein daag”, “Cham cham baaje re paleyiya”, “Aaja sanam madhur chaandni mein hum” or songs as enjoyable as “Ek chatur naar” from the film Padosan.

His death, last year, marked the end of an era. Such mastery over the musical notes, such control over the voice and the rhythm might never be found again. Bollywood misses you. We Bengalis miss you.

Our friend Arunita Barui (the charcoal artist) , sketched a a portrait of Manna Dey. Sharing the video of her making of the portrait. India, cutting across different age barriers salute you sir. Where ever you are, you are a guiding star to all of us musicians. Do check out the video.

The Charcoal Story : Arunita Barui

Know more about Manna Dey in Wikipedia. Arunita Barui is a self taught Charcoal artist. She has signed up with Soul Vibes records, the production Sayon is associated with. If you like Arunita Barui’s sketches, make sure you like her page “The Charcoal story”. I can only convey my deepest regards and best wishes for my brother, his friends and his production house.

Do let us know which is your favourite Manna Dey song, join the discussion below.

Drop a tribute to Manna Dey – the first super star Bollywood singer. Comment on this blog post.